Gratitude

Gratitude is an essential to a happy life and especially in your business life. The more you can let your customers know how much you appreciate them and their doing business with you, the more likely they are to continue that relationship and the better you will feel.

But it doesn’t have to be over the top. More often than not a simple “Thankyou” card sent in the mail is a most effective and inexpensive way of expressing your appreciation. As more than 60% of business operators foolishly deem this as an unnecessary expense and waste of time, it allows you to make a real impact with your customers and set yourself apart from them.

The other day I was offered an all expenses paid day of golf including lunch and dinner afterwards at one of the leading clubs, as a “thankyou” for some services I had provided. I diplomatically declined and yet I still had the impression I had caused offence. You see this fellow was really appreciative, but he never did inquire if I liked or played golf. I am one of those who believe a game of golf is a good walk spoiled. No offence to those of you who love the game. 

This is not about golf; it’s about making sure your gift is appropriate to the recipient and not over the top for the service provided. In this case, a card, sincerely expressing his thanks and maybe a small gift would have done a whole lot more than trying to impress me with excess and grandeur.

Naturally if you just won a million dollar account, you may want to do more than send a note or a “Thankyou Card”, but I would still start out with this, because well chosen words expressing sincere gratitude, put down in writing, stay with people for a long time!